The 1st Br. Andrew Gonzalez Memorial Invitational Golf Cup Tees Off in Clark

After more than a decade since it was first envisioned, the 1st Br. Andrew Gonzalez Memorial Invitational Golf Cup finally teed off last October 15, 2025, at the Mount View “Tiger Woods” Course of Mimosa Plus Golf Club in Clark Freeport Zone. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the late Br. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC, former DLSU President, esteemed Lasallian brother, academic visionary, and former Secretary of Education who dedicated his life to shaping Philippine education and nurturing generations of Filipino learners.

Presented by Hotel Stotsenberg and Casino Plus, the tournament brought together De La Salle alumni, families, and friends for a day of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared Lasallian pride. It also marked a significant milestone for the De La Salle Alumni Association – Pampanga Chapter, which was inducted just two years ago by IPP Randy Nonato, as it successfully hosted its first major sporting event. What was once a long-envisioned idea for the alumni community has now become a meaningful and memorable reality.

The tournament was spearheaded by the DLSAA Pampanga Core Group composed of Paw Bangsil (President), Aries Patawaran, Patrick Sibug, and Bong Garbes, together with the chapter’s officers. Providing leadership and guidance throughout the event was Prof. Randy I. Nonato, DLSAA Immediate Past President and Incumbent Vice President, who served as Lasallian Golf Consultant, Resident Event Host, and Inducting Officer. Representing the Gonzalez family as guests of honor was Atty. Adolfo “Ompong” Gonzalez, nephew of Br. Andrew Gonzalez. While Chef Gene Gonzalez was not physically present during the tournament, he and Atty. Ompong had earlier welcomed the organizers during a courtesy call meeting at Café Ysabel—an encounter that underscored the family’s support and deep connection to the event. Their involvement gave the tournament a deeply personal touch, honoring Br. Andrew’s memory and the enduring spirit of faith, service, and fellowship within the Lasallian community.

The day’s competition showcased inspiring performances across all divisions. For the overall awards, Bombee Narciso secured Overall Low Gross with a 73 gross, 4 handicap, for a net 69, while Lico Gozun claimed Overall Low Net with a 75 gross, 7 handicap, for a net 68. In Class A (0–15), Martin Angeles emerged as Champion with a 75 gross, 6 handicap, and 69 net, followed closely by Runner-up Ray Zamora, who carded a 75 gross, 5 handicap, 70 net, with an impressive round highlighted by 2 birdies and 12 pars. Class B (16–25) saw Daniel Beltran take the championship with a 92 gross, 21 handicap, 71 net, while Arthur Viray secured Runner-up honors with a 93 gross, 21 handicap, and 72 net, recording 1 birdie and 4 pars. In Class C (26–36), Larry Limjoco claimed Champion with a 105 gross, 29 handicap, 76 net alongside 6 bogeys, followed by Runner-up Mac Mandap who shot a 108 gross, 32 handicap, 76 net with 4 bogeys. The Ladies Division was topped by Champion JC Parker Aguas, with Lia Wijangco earning Runner-up.

Adding fun and excitement to the tournament were the special Fun Hole challenges. Jun Pineda won Longest Drive on Hole #5 with an impressive 297 yards, while Frank Cabadu captured Most Accurate Drive on the same hole at just 4 feet from the center line. On Hole #16, Rene Gorada won Nearest to the Pin at 6 feet 2 inches, and Daniel Beltran secured Longest Putt at 2 feet. No winner was recorded for the Hole-in-One challenge on Hole #16, but participants enthusiastically pursued the feat throughout the day.

The tournament’s success was made possible through the generosity of its partners and sponsors who shared in the mission of promoting unity and tradition within the Lasallian community. Presented by Hotel Stotsenberg and Casino Plus, the event received major support from SF Oil, JDN Group, and Saver’s Industrials. Hole sponsors included BGC, Inbox / iBook Stores, BMW Pampanga – Laus Group, JT Group of Companies, Stay Inn Hotel / 1920 Construction, Scrubbed, Tosot, Wild Aces, Alpha Phi Omega – DLSU, Wild Aces Poker Room, Cosmic Raven Ventures (CRV), 3 Strokes, Srixon, Raslag, Dolomatrix, and AIPI. Additional donors who helped make the tournament possible included Hann Group, Aquapacs, Ariel Reyes & Family, Hue, and Vanity Collections.

With its resounding success, the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Memorial Invitational Golf Cup now stands as a new Lasallian tradition—one that honors excellence, friendship, and faith both on and off the fairway. The DLSAA Pampanga Chapter proudly looks forward to carrying this legacy forward, making the tournament an annual celebration of the Lasallian spirit. From the organizers’ green hearts to every player, sponsor, and supporter who made the inaugural event possible: Animo Br. Andrew! Animo La Salle!